X DOT 25 Music releases "Melancholy Man" Video from the album "Rain and Dust" By Aldoush

Aldoush started singing when he was sixteen and picked up the guitar at age twenty-two. His playing was entirely Western and had no connection to his native music; he didn't truly begin to understand Persian music until after he left Iran in 1978.

In 1987 he returned home. Upon entering Iran he became a child within a dreamland. He was drenched in a waterfall of beautiful music and culture that had been invisible to him during my youth. A myriad of positive changes occurred while he was there, and his musical perspective changed dramatically after his visit. He then moved to Northern California, and his changing vision began to coalesce and expand. He was finally living in an area that was a hotbed for a growing world music scene and contained the musicians who could be sympathetic to his artistic vision, and he formed the Human Exchange.

Aldoush Wining Wammies Award in San Francisco (Best World Music Album of the Year Year 1993)

Aldoush creates an exotic new sound, combining ancient Iranian village music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms. In 1992 he wrote "The Child Within" album which was released on then pioneer record label in World Music - X DOT 25 Music in Emeryville, California. "The Child Within" was the first album created based on X DOT 25 Music's "Persian Art Music" concept. This album was the winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year.

Aldoush

His arrangements blend traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation which is the result of his present awareness of both Persian and Western styles of music, and working towards bringing these vastly different cultures together has been his goal.

In 1999 he released "This Life" which is a collection of Music he worked on for the 25 years with English lyrics. In 2001 he released "Rain and Dust" which is a collection of Persian music with electric guitars and 2 songs in English.

Then he moved back to his homeland and spend time with people there and then he co-created a new album "Desire to Fly" with one of his old friends Davood Ajir in 2007.

Aldoush and Koorosh Angali

Later on in 2007 he moved to France, where he now writes music for radio and also performs live with Davood. They have new group called "Wet Kind Of Blues" with a recent release: "Wolves Are Crying". You can check out Aldoush on Facebook.

Aldoush w Nazanin

Album Details:

The Child Within

Aldoush & the Human Exchange create an exotic new sound on their CD "The Child Within", combining ancient Iranian folk music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms by Koorosh Angali. Their arrangements pass through many different genres, blending traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles.

The Award

The result is a sound that contains both the raw effervescence of true Iranian village music and the uncanny communication found in a well rehearsed jazz band. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation- winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year, this music is a must for multiculturalists and world music enthusiasts alike.

Listen and be enchanted. This album is the first album created based on X DOT 25 Music's "Persian Art Music" concept.

Aldoush & the Human Exchange create an exotic new sound, combining ancient Iranian village music with Persian lyrics written in contemporary poetic forms. Their arrangements blend traditional Iranian classical folk melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies rooted in jazz and classical styles. Never before has Persian music been brought to the West with such creativity and innovation- winner of the San Francisco Weekly 1993 Wammies Award for best World Music album of the year, this music is a must for multiculturalists and world music enthusiasts alike. Listen and be enchanted. "...Resoundingly entrancing" says BAM Magazine. "...Fusion...in favor of ensemble fluidity, which has a seductive and serpentine appeal" - SF Bay Guardian

I started singing when I was sixteen and picked up the guitar at age twenty-two. My playing was entirely Western and had no connection to my native music; I didn't truly begin to understand Persian music until after I left Iran in 1978.

In 1987 I returned home. Upon entering Iran I became a child within a dreamland. I was drenched in a waterfall of beautiful music and culture that had been invisible to me during my youth. A myriad of positive changes occurred while I was there, and my musical perspective changed dramatically after my visit.

I then moved to Northern California, and my changing vision began to coalesce and expand. I was finally living in an area that was a hotbed for a growing world music scene and contained the musicians who could be sympathetic to my artistic vision, and I formed the Human Exchange.

This album is the result of my present awareness of both Persian and Western styles of music, and working towards bringing these vastly different cultures together has been my goal. I dedicate this record to the children of the world- our greatest treasure.

Many thanks go to my family, particularly my sister Clara, and to all my friends for their support. Special thanks to Koorosh Angali whose efforts during the production of this album and many years of friendship have brought me closer to my true culture. Thanks to Baback Etminani and Mark Newstetter who invented and hand-crafted the Nazanin. My deepest appreciation goes out to Ahmadreza Nabizadeh who introduced me to Persian folk music; finally, thanks to X DOT 25 Music for their enthusiasm and support.... - Aldoush

Produced by ALDOUSH ALPANIAN

Executive Producers: X DOT 25 Music

All English interpretations of lyrics by Koorosh AngaliComposed, Arranged, and Produced by Aldoush AlpanianLyrics by Koorosh Angali except "Juicy Pomegranate" by Scott Hill

Lyrics

Deliverance (Ra-ha-ee)

Dedicated to Emmett Kaake

Distress, distress, distress The agony of perplexity Into my soul yielded deplority I prayed and prayed a cold sigh in vain Release me from all grief and pain

In the end I found refuge In the bosom of sorrow As an infant would sneak Into it's mothers arms to borrow Respite.

Yonder an oracle, I heard all at once A light - the Creator - illuminated in response The everlasting Spring, forever to be The eternal love and enlightenment came to me

The bird of the sun, caressing my skin I tasted the sweet flavor of the rain As a flock of angels were sprinkling henna Over the golden-orange plain What a dream it was, what a dream! This was divine promise, it seemed For better days to come.

Deliverance, freedom- I had the master key and gears My beloved at my side, yet my eyes were filled with tears Out of blindness

How did I expect to reach happiness so poor-spiritedly With my inner eye blindfolded so benightedly? The Oracle, I remember, uttered to me: "Ope thy orb, a coward don't you be Dare thyself to take sail in the ocean of divine love Oh, you enlightened free-spirited dove!

Prince of Love (Shahzadeh-ye Eshgh)

Yonder in the wheat fields, gold nuggets of grain Have sprouted gracefully in the shimmering plain A vow is in order- these fields are for keeps The offspring of the human should know that prosperity reaps He who sows the seeds of love

Our forefathers left this land in our trust Safeguard it restlessly against evil we must This precious, precious land is the temple of God, Zoroaster, Cyrus, Parthian, and Mad(1)

Devil would try his best from time to time O'er it to cast a wicked spell Wishing for this lovely land to be, The terrible dungeon of the scornful Hell

Against all this profanity With all our soul and might Joyfully and gracefully, we must ne'er cease our fight Find the Prince of Love we must, O' we must Leave this cherished land in his trust

Strut in the fields, then, here and there Scatter seeds of joy and not despair We must not be lazy, deplorable, or weary Whilst we can be alive and prosper merrily

Nowruz (The Ritual of New Year)

Sweet smell of violets streams through the town Whilst maiden of delight, with her Narcissus crown Brings joy in a salver to effuse in our hearts Girls dance in the streets chanting songs of love Children play with their rattles; rejoice their lusty chests Grandmothers, in their living rooms, entertain their guests Girls in groups of many roam into the pastoral scene Recite the ritual of Seez-dah(2), making ties of grass and greens Wishing to be a bride in this year with such dreams

Watching all this panorama would fill your eyes with tears Not of sorrow, but of joy- the spring is here.

Zolaikha

At dawn the divine hand Diffuses gold particles o'er the fields Lady Sun, in her floral attire In the brick adobes she yields To pay visit to early birds

Zolaikha, oh, Zolaikha Behold how fair and lovely the morning is God's hand is leading away As riders of the sweet breeze: Colorful flowers, in herds

Let us go to God's sacred dwelling Pick a bounty of love-flowers In His affectionate face Would we see our latter hours and tomorrows to come

To scatter love-flowers over the village, Let us borrow thousands of hands Reciting tales of love for children Let us carry this hearty errand to the storyteller of the village

The sun is sprinkling the wheat fields With various lovely tints Running her fingers through our hair For a divine copulation Tis all but a hint of invitation

In the harem of divinities We lie down, our bodies shimmering gems As the Zephyr kisses the faces of children And people pay homage to them

Juicy Pomegranate

Press on the skin and the juices within Will explode in your mouth with amorous sweetness and life

Surrender the senses to red spheres of splendor They hang from the tree- the round, juicy pomegranates

Taste of life, a wine from the seeds of the sun A treasure of mine for you

Goli Joon

Roaming in the green fields- a graceful strut Playful, lusty Zephyrus thrown with you his lot Indignant Flora, although jealous of this deed Paves your path with floral carpet singing "Godspeed"

The breezy fingers of Favonius Through your hair and skirt I wonder if it's erroneous: Such grace was made of dirt

Earthly love is ephemeral To the clouds we should flit Where amorous Pygmalion's heart With Galatea's glance would be lit And Helios, the God Sun Roams about on his steed While nesting mother of rain Is impregnated by his seed

Goli, my beloved Oh, remedy of all my pain Folks would try to stop us Of this divine love, but all in vain.

Love (Amoon Az Dast-e Eshgh)

Enter, enter, oh you seeker Welcome, welcome to the flicker Sparks of rejoicing shimmer in this air Flakes of love shower on your thirsty flair

Album Details:

Rain and Dust

IncludesGol-e Yakh - Performed by AldoushMelancholy Man - Performed by Aldoush - Written by Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues

This album is a collection of his songs from his pre Award Winning "The Child Within" music era. Most songs in Persian, except "Melancholy Man" and "People Aren't for Sale" in English. This album is full of melodic songs performed by Aldoush. Electric guitar, acoustic guitar and some computer sequencing has created the lush background for Aldoush's powerful and heart touching vocals. He has integrated acoustic guitar, percussion, bass and drums with his own tasty electric guitar work. This album includes re-makes of Persian classic song "Gol-e Yakh" and a Moody Blues song "Melancholy Man".

Sadness has nested in the middle of your two beautiful eyes (it's always there)The night has made a home in your black hairYour two black eyes are like my nightsThe blackness of your two eyes are like my sadnessWhen the spite comes down on my eyelashes, it turns into rainThe sadness like a flood has ruined everything I have built When you stay with meThe wind takes my lonelinessMy two eyes have rained in the nightThe spring flew out of my handsThe Ice Flower is growing in my heartIn my room I am burning from lonelinessOh' the one who has blossomed in this age/timeWhat should I sing? My youth has gone, my voice has goneThe Ice Flower is grown in my heartWhat should I sing? My youth has gone, my voice has goneThe Ice Flower is grown in my heart (X2)

Melancholy Man

I'm a melancholy man, that's what I am,All the world surrounds me, and my feet are on the ground.I'm a very lonely man, doing what I can,All the world astounds me and I think I understandThat we're going to keep growing, wait and see.

When all the stars are falling downInto the sea and on the ground,And angry voices carry on the wind,A beam of light will fill your headAnd you'll remember what's been saidBy all the good men this world's ever known.Another man is what you'll see,Who looks like you and looks like me,And yet somehow he will not feel the same,His life caught up in misery, he doesn't think like you and me,'Cause he can't see what you and I can see.

Goli Joon (Persian Girl)

Roaming in the green fields- a graceful strut Playful, lusty Zephyrus thrown with you his lot Indignant Flora, although jealous of this deed Paves your path with floral carpet singing "Godspeed"

The breezy fingers of Favonius Through your hair and skirt I wonder if it's erroneous: Such grace was made of dirt

Earthly love is ephemeral To the clouds we should flit Where amorous Pygmalion's heart With Galatea's glance would be lit And Helios, the God Sun Roams about on his steed While nesting mother of rain Is impregnated by his seed

Goli, my beloved Oh, remedy of all my pain Folks would try to stop us Of this divine love, but all in vain.

People Aren't for Sale

You came to me on a windy day and showed me a face of painI took your gentle hand in mine and we listened to the rainI can see the year scattered on your face, the memories you can't eraseStill lost in your darker days, searching for your hiding placeWhy did you choose this life young girl?What drove you in this way young girl?Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girlYou look so young and strongly pure despite the lines of sorrowAnd if I could I'd stopped you now and save you from tomorrowWhy did you choose this life young girl?What drove you in this way young girl?Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girlOhhhhhhh, Young Girl, Mmmmm....

And when we talked you are so weakenedAnd make me cold with painFor all those people who turned on youAnd cast you to your fateLet me lead you to a better lifeWhere people live in joyI'll give you all you ever wantAnd you learn to love this worldAgain, Again ...............

Some losers are just sacrificed but don't be a victim this timeLeave behind the winter of your life and toss away those liesWhy did you choose this life young girl?What drove you in this way young girl?Listen to me and don't forget that people aren't for sale, young girl.

East meets West on the new release from composer/producer Aldoush Alpanian. A newline up and a different perspective on this CD where progressive world fusion crosses rock boundaries and is influenced by Middle Eastern textures. This work is enhanced by Aldoush's expressive vocal work, lyrics of depth and intensity in English, and a band that cooks.

Here Aldoush has followed up his 1993 Wammies Award winning debut album "The Child Within" with a table turning tour de force in "This Life", changing his focus from the western influenced middle eastern world music of "The Child Within" to an epic album of world class rock. A richly textured musical and lyrical adventure . Although Aldoush has maintained his acoustic foundation, this album rocks with a soaring and soulful blend of pop, rock, reggae, blues, jazz and middle eastern influences.

Aldoush has followed up his 1993 Wammies Award winning debut album "The Child Within" with a table turning tour de force in "This Life" his second release, changing his focus from the western influenced middle eastern world music of "The Child Within" to an epic album of world class rock. "This Life" is a richly textured musical and lyrical adventure (English lyrics), full of emotion, drama and surprise. Rarely has an artist of this quality changed directions so dramatically with such impressive results. He has augmented his lineup of acoustic guitar, saxophone, Persian steel string instrument (Nazanin), percussion, bass and drums with the immaculately tasty electric guitar work of Mark Holzinger.

Although Aldoush has maintained his acoustic foundation, this album rocks with a soaring and soulful blend of pop, rock, reggae, blues, jazz and middle eastern influences. Each song is a passionate and powerful slice of life from the tongue in cheek desperation of the opening track "The Ride" to the bluesy meditative title track "This Life." There is also a dazzling diversity between the songs, from the poetry and promise of "The Call" and the challenging "Truth in Chains" to the dynamic rhythms of "My Private Storm" and the middle eastern celebration of "Journey to Jaffar." These songs flow effortlessly together on a variety of rhythms, thanks to the consistently compelling melodies of Aldoush. "This Life" is guaranteed to be as satisfying as it is surprising.

Lyrics

The Ride

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

I'm a fool , surrounded by a wall of illusion Created by my desire to believe your lies I'm a fool, drowning in a well of confusion Feeling helpless as I gaze into your eyes Love is crazy, don't know what I'm thinking, what I'm doing I never could resist the way you smiled Love is crazy, know that you're not feeling what I'm feeling Still, sometimes I feel as helpless as a child Sometimes I feel as helpless as a child

A thousand miles she came to find me How could I know? Why should I hide? Like a dream she came to blind me I went along just for the ride How could I know?...Why should I hide? I went along ... just for the ride

My head's spinning, fighting my emotions for control I know that if I win I'll only lose My head's spinning, what I feel is stronger than what I know I know I've no choice left and still I choose I am lost now, caught up in a web of self -destruction Wondering if you always knew I'd go this way I am lost now, suffering more each day from my inaction While searching for the strength to walk away While searching for the strength to walk away

A thousand miles she came to find me How could I know? Why should I hide? Like a dream she came to blind me I went along just for the ride How could I know?...Why should I hide? I went along ... just for the ride

Looking into your eyes , somehow I'm hypnotized I wanna' leave but you know I always stay Sometimes I think I'll get away today But then I look in your eyes, and again I'm paralyzed I don't know if I'll ever get away How could I know?...Why should I hide? I went along ... just for the ride I don't know if I'll ever get away

All lyrics used by permission. All rights reserved.

Living In The City

Lyrics by Susan MacKarness

I see you man, we both exist But can you show your heart Take away that mask of stone And smile just for a start Yesterday the sky was blue And I felt my spirits rise But everywhere I turned was cold And all I heard were lies

Living in the city can really bring you down I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town Living in the city really brings you downI'm gonna get some land and leave this bloody golden town

We're all here for a few years To live and fight for life I've seen so many souls who've lost their way Down these lonely streets tonight I'll have to leave here very soon If I want to feel again I've tried so hard to get through But all I got was pain

Living in the city can really bring you down I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town Living in the city really brings you down I'm gonna get some land and leave this bloody golden town

Did you see that lovely face? Notice that lonely old man? Watch those flowers growing tall I'm running, catch me if you can Yes, this has been too much for me I don't want whatever it's got I'll flee into the other life Where money's out and feeling's not

Living in the city can really bring you down I'd rather get some land and leave this golden town Living in the city really brings you down I'm gonna get some land and leave this bloody golden town

The Call

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Here, here, here we go again For every three steps forward There's two we are pulled back again Sky, sky, the evening sky is clear But I hear thunder and a strange sense of danger is near Cry, cry, but don't you cry for me Cry for all the misguided ones, whose hearts still don't see There are reasons to live in everything we do In the time that we are given, I will show them to you

Well it only takes a moment For your world to explode And it only takes a moment To sanctify your soul

Fear, fear, all around us in their eyes Lord, I've stood my ground for you Won't you open up these skies? And save me, save me, save me from this mob They want to take my life They want to shake my faith in God Pain, pain, they strike me with their stones I feel the sting of their hatred As their nails crush my bones Afraid, afraid, afraid of the truth They're blinded by fear and rage, with everything to lose

Well it only takes a moment For your world to explode And it only takes a moment To sanctify your soul

Free, free, I'll be free when this is done My time is almost over now, and yours has just begun On we go, answering the call Remember me and carry on the word to all Home, home , take me home again On a slide of light, to that promised land Home, home, take me home again On a slide of light, to that promised land On we go, answering the call Remember me and carry on the word to all

Lady of Mexico

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

You lie sleeping in my arms again So soft and warm, your golden skin And I wish this moment would never end My lady of Mexico

In the morning you'll be leaving In my head, well I guess I know In a few months you'll be back here again But the tears are beginning to show `Cause my heart keeps crying to me Hey man, don't let her go 'Cause I love you 'Cause I love you 'Cause I love you My lady of Mexico

Soon your Spanish eyes will open And I'll kiss your morning smile We'll hold each other close for awhile Before you take to the sky Well, it's something you feel you have to do And I just can't stand in your way 'Cause I love you 'Cause I love you 'Cause I love you My lady of Mexico

So I'll think about these moments In the months ahead while you're gone And they'll help me through the days to come And the nights won't seem quite so long And if you don't come back to me I'll know I can't , but I must carry on `Cause I love you My lady of Mexico And if you don't come back to me I'll know I can't , but I must carry on 'Cause I love you 'Cause I love you 'Cause I love you My lady of Mexico

Truth In Chains

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

"Nothing is what it appears to be" The old woman feebly cried When truth is chained for convenience Innocent people die Three doors tower in front of you Which one will you choose? Your own redemption's just out of reach There's no time left to lose There's no time left to lose

"Why do you stand there waiting ?" Came the familiar voice So many lives are on the line And you must make a choice As if your force could prove you right You boldly cross the line Is anything worth so many lives ? Will this dust settle in our time ? Will this dust settle in our time ?

Cold wind whistling through empty streets No other sound for miles around Dead city standing in a yellow haze Ruins crumbling to the ground As lightning flashes in the distance Big birds sail across the sky Evil destruction is raining down And the sky begins to cry And the sky begins to cry...

Simple Man

Lyrics by Mike Hager

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free What it takes to have some peace.

Free from all the children, that are naked in the night Hoping somebody will save them, from the evils of their plight We've got to take them back into our arms, and show them that we care, And give them the love and shelter, that takes away all their empty fear.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, What it takes to have some peace.

Free from all the bigotry, that is tearing us apart, It's reaching out across the land, it's like a shadow in the dark We've got to join our hearts together, and build a better way, And stop all the lies and hatred, that brings us back to the ancient days.

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, What it takes to have some peace.

Doo, Doo, Doo

I'm just a simple man with a simple dream Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, What it takes to have some peace. Free from all the voices, that are calling out in pain, Clinging onto lives ravaged by, the threat that we call AIDS We've got to stand up all my brothers, and give them a loving hand, Bring an end to all this fighting, that steals away all our precious time.

And the winds of tomorrow, hold the answers to our faith, And all we have to do is stop and open up the gate. I'm just a simple man with a simple dream Hoping the world can see, what it takes to be free, What it takes to have some peace.

Doo, Doo, Doo

What it takes to be free What it takes to have some peace

This Life

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Looking at this life, when I close my eyes Deep within my mind, where I go Looking at this life, well I realize Deep within my mind, well I know

I need freedom, I need space n' time Feel this life is closing in I need freedom, I need peace o' mind 'Cause this life is all I know

Behind these eyes I am searching Behind this smile, into my soul Am I changing ? Is the change too fast? Am I drifting ? Will I lose control ?

I need freedom, I need space n' time Feel this life is closing in I need freedom, I need peace o' mind 'Cause this life is all I know

Arrest my fears and unlock the gate I've been building walls instead of bridges Opening my eyes, the hour is late I've been travelling too close to the edge

I need freedom, I need space n' time Feel this life is closing in I need freedom, I need peace o' mind 'Cause this life is all I know

My Private Storm

Lyrics by Daniel Forsythe

Under threatening skies, in my private storm Heading toward that distant light Breaking through this wretched night I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again Breaking through this wretched night Heading toward that distant light Battling raging seas, saw you walking there Flooded by unrest, trembling like a prayer From my tragic depths, breakers crash the shore Heading toward that distant light Breaking through this wretched night I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again Breaking through this wretched night Heading toward that distant light In your eyes I see all the faiths that shine All the truths I seek, tonight I'll make them mine Woah oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh...

We think and dream , in the end we hope and pray We balance pleasure and pain toward a better day The only light I see tonight is in your eyes Shining like the truth, to save me from the lies And all the people that we used to be And all the reasons that we couldn't see Right now they don't mean a thing to me Shine light, shine light, shine, shine for me tonight...yea

Sailing cold, cold seas, in my private storm Heading toward that distant light Breaking through this wretched night I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again Breaking through this wretched night Heading toward that distant light Tonight I see that light, for me it's enough New winds lift my sails, stir the stars above On my knees again, I live for your love Heading toward that distant light Breaking through this wretched night I will ride the wind `til horizons clear again Breaking through this wretched night Heading toward that distant light I've been to the edge and I've seen that view But I never thought I'd see the end of you Woah oh oh oh, Woah oh oh oh oh...